My Genealogy Hound

SHORT, J. A. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 12, P.O. Fayette. Had the reader of this sketch been on the road leading from Summerton, Tenn., to Carrollton, Ill., in the Fall of 1829, he might have seen a rudely made wagon in which were densely packed a few household goods, and a goodly number of children. The remaining ones who were larger, were wending their way on foot following up an old dun cow who was also a member of the party. As this procession filed past, a close observer might have seen peeping, out from beneath the curtains a countenance that would today be recognized as Alex. Short, such it was, and was then in company with his parents who were emigrating to this country, and located at Woodman’s Mound, where they remained about five years; then moved to township 11, R. 10, north of Greenfield, where his father spent the remainder of his days except three years, which he spent in Greenfield. He died Aug. 1876. The subject of this sketch had but meager advantages for schooling, his father being poor at that time, and having a large family to support, a large share of this responsibility fell upon J. A., and he was compelled to remain at home and assist in the home duties. At the age of twenty however, his father had now become in a manner forehanded, and J. A., embarked for himself. Began by renting land of his father, which he worked for three years; then bought 80 acres in Town 11, Sec. 12, and afterward added to it 80 more with a land warrant which he obtained by trading a horse; afterward entered another 40 under the “bit” act; he kept this land seven years and sold the 160 acres for $1,500; then moved east about two miles and bought 120 acres ; staid six years, and having an opportunity to better himself, sold out at an advance and then moved to the Gilbert Edward’s farm, one and three-quarter miles north of Greenfield, where he bought 200 acres, costing $4,000; kept the farm three years, and disposed of it for $8,000; while on this farm cleared $5,000, including $1,000 made on a crop of wheat one year. After selling out, went to northeast part of Christian County; where he bought 280 acres for $6,500; remained three years; then rented out his farm for $800 per year, and moved to Greenfield; subsequently to this he traded his farm in Christian Co., for the one he now owns, paying $2,250 in addition; has now 275 acres of excellent land, highly improved, has built him an excellent house recently, and his building and everything about him indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner; he being as near a model farmer as the country produces. Been a man of energy and industrious habits, and a believer in the motto that “God helps those that help themselves.” Mr. Short has been a member of the Baptist church for many years; is also a zealous member of the Masonic order, Greenfield Lodge No. 129, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Short was first married Dec. 25, 1846, to Charity Cheaney; had eight children, four now living: Emily Jane, born Nov. 11, 1847; John W., born June 13, 1855; George M., April 17, 1858; Martha L., April 13, 1861. His wife died Oct. 9, 1869. The following year married Tabitha Starks; she died Jan. 27, 1873, leaving one child: Virgil Alex., born Dec. 31, 1871. Was last married to Miss M. J. Barton, daughter of Isaac and Charity Barton, of Greenfield; born Sept. 10, 1837. They have two children: Wm. Leslie born Aug. 31, 1874.